What action is recommended for unoccupied floors during a prolonged hotel shutdown to manage Legionella risk?

What action is recommended for unoccupied floors during a prolonged hotel shutdown to manage Legionella risk?

• A. Shut down all water access completely
• B. Keep water running continuously
• C. Isolate and drain affected plumbing sections
• D. Inspect the plumbing system weekly

Answer: (C)

Isolating and draining affected plumbing sections during a prolonged hotel shutdown is highly recommended to manage the risk of Legionella growth. When a building is unoccupied, water sitting stagnant in plumbing systems creates an environment conducive to the proliferation of Legionella bacteria. By isolating and draining specific plumbing sections, you effectively remove water that could otherwise stagnate, thereby reducing the risk of bacterial growth and potential exposure. This practice also ensures that any residual water and biofilm that could harbor Legionella are eliminated, making it safer for when the plumbing systems are reactivated. Additionally, draining the systems allows for necessary repairs or maintenance that might be required without the presence of water, which can complicate such work. Keeping water running continuously or inspecting the plumbing system weekly do not address the root problem of stagnation, which is the primary factor in Legionella risk during unoccupied conditions. Shutting down all water access completely may lead to issues such as pipe corrosion or damage, as well as difficulty in maintaining systems. Thus, isolating and draining affected sections is the most effective approach to mitigate this health risk.

Isolating and draining affected plumbing sections during a prolonged hotel shutdown is highly recommended to manage the risk of Legionella growth. When a building is unoccupied, water sitting stagnant in plumbing systems creates an environment conducive to the proliferation of Legionella bacteria. By isolating and draining specific plumbing sections, you effectively remove water that could otherwise stagnate, thereby reducing the risk of bacterial growth and potential exposure.

This practice also ensures that any residual water and biofilm that could harbor Legionella are eliminated, making it safer for when the plumbing systems are reactivated. Additionally, draining the systems allows for necessary repairs or maintenance that might be required without the presence of water, which can complicate such work.

Keeping water running continuously or inspecting the plumbing system weekly do not address the root problem of stagnation, which is the primary factor in Legionella risk during unoccupied conditions. Shutting down all water access completely may lead to issues such as pipe corrosion or damage, as well as difficulty in maintaining systems. Thus, isolating and draining affected sections is the most effective approach to mitigate this health risk.